Photomechanical code keyboard unit



Aprril 9, 1968 SANAE AMADA PHOTOMBCHANICAL CODE KEYBOARD UNIT Filed Jan.27, 1965 United States Patent Ofitice 3,377,485 Patented Apr. 9, 19683,377,485 HGTOMECHANHCAL (IQDE KEYBOARD UNIT Sanae Amalia, Tokyo, Japan,assigncr to Fujitsu Limited. Kawasaki, Japan, a corporation of JapanFiled Jan. 27, 1965, Ser. No. 428,530 Claims priority, applicationJapan, Jan. 28, 1964, 39/3342 1 Claim. (El. 250-229) ABSTRAET GE THEDISCLQSURE Code keyboard apparatus comprises a plurality ofphotoelectric transducers spaced from a source of light to provide acoded output corresponding to a key-selected input. The light isdirected to the photoelectric transducers in a plurality of separatelight paths, each of the light paths being directed to a correspondingone of the photoelectric transducers. Each of a plurality of spacedseparate code bars has a plurality of projections arranged in a patterndetermining a corresponding code indication. A guide slidably supportsthe code bars in positions between the source of light and thephotoelectric transducers wherein selected ones of the projections ofthe code bars are adapted to block corresponding ones of the light pathsin determined positions of the code bars thereby providing a codedoutput. Key actuated members in contact with the code bars selectivelymove the code bars in the guide to the determined positions inaccordance with a keyselected input.

The present invention relates to a photomechanical code keyboard unit.More particularly, the invention relates to a code keyboard unitutilizing combined mechanical and photoelectric apparatus.

Known keyboard units utilize solely mechanical apparatus and rarely ornever utilize electromechanical or photoelectric apparatus. Mechanicalapparatus in keyboard units is deficient, however, in that the speed ofoperation is slow and the operation is noisy.

Although photoelectric apparatus is theoretically superior to soelymechanical apparatus, suitable photoelectric apparatus has not beendeveloped prior to the present invention. This is especially true whenit comes to controlling the light paths through the apparatus.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved code keyboard unit.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedphotomechanical code keyboard unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a code keyboardunit which has a fast speed of operation and which operates quietly.

In accordance with the present invention, code keyboard apparatuscomprises a source of light and a plurality of separate photoelectrictransducers spaced from the source of light. A director directs thelight to the photoelectric transducer in plurality of separate parallelspaced light paths, each of the light paths being directed to acorresponding one of the photo-electric transducers. A plurality ofspaced separate code bars each has a plurality of projections arrangedin a pattern determining a corresponding code indication. A guideslidably supports the code bars in parallel spaced positions relative toeach other between the source of light and the photoelectric transducerswherein selected ones of the projections of the code bars are adapted toblock corresponding ones of the light paths in determined positions ofthe code bars. Key actuated apparatus in contact with the code barsselectively moves the code bars in the guide means to the determinedpositions. The key actuated apparatus comprises a plurality of keys, aplurality of key levers each aifixed to a corresponding one of the keysand a plurality of control levers each being pivotally mounted with oneend in contact with a corresponding one of the code bars and withanother portion coupled to a corresponding one of the key levers.

In order that the present invention may be readily carried into effect,it will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view, partly in section, of an embodi ment of a codekeyboard unit of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partly cut away, of a part of theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another part of the embodiment of FIG.1; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view the embodiment of FIG. 1.

In the figures, the same components .are identified by the samereference numerals.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the code keyboard unit includes a plurality of keys 1each corresponding to a specific information such as, for example, aletter of the alphabet, a number or a punctuation mark. A plurality ofkey levers 2 each is afiixed to a corresponding one of the keys 1.

Each of a plurality of control levers 4 is pivotally mounted on a pivotpin 5. Each of the control levers 4 has one end 4a and another portion4b. Each of the control levers 4 is coupled to a corresponding one ofthe key levers 2 at its portion 412.

The control levers 4, of which one is shown in the drawings, are shownin their inoperative or rest position in the drawings (FIG. '1). When akey 1 is depressed by the operator, the corresponding key lever 2 movesthe corresponding control lever 4 in a clockwise direction around thepivot pin 5.

The apparatus of the code keyboard unit is mounted in any suitablemanner in a suitable housing 3. Each of the control levers 4 may beurged in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 5 by a spring6 which thus returns said control lever to its rest position. Eachspring 6 is afiixed at one end to the housing or a fixed part of theapparatus and at its other end to the corresponding control lever.

Each of the control levers 4 may be provided with a locking device '7 atan end 40 of said control lever which limits the clockwise movement ofthe control lever and a stop 9 may be provided at the end 4a of eachcontrol lever to limit its counterclockwise movement. The devices '7 and9 are affixed to the inside of the housing 3 or to suitable fixed partsof the apparatus. Furthermore, a lock lever 8 may be provided to lockeach control lever in its rest position.

A guide block 11 is provided. A source tione-d at one end 11:: of theguide block 11 and may comprise the light source of FIG. 4, wherein anelongated lamp 23 is positioned in spaced parallel relation with anoptical rectangular prism 24 of suitable type. The light produced by thelamp 23 is directed into a substantially planar beam of light 25 by theprism 24. The plane of the beam of light extends between and is definedby the light rays 25.

A plurality of separate photo-electric transducers 21 are positioned atthe opposite end 1122 of the guide block of still another part of oflight is osi- H and may be mounted on a board 20 as shown in FIG;

3, for example. Each of the photo-electric transducers 21 may compriseany suit-able device for converting light energy into electrical energysuch as, for example, a photo transistor. The photo-electric transducers211 include transducers 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21c, 211, 21g and 21h.

A plurality of channels or conduits 19 are formed through the guideblock 11 extending in spaced parallel relation to each other from theend 11a to the end 11b of said uide block. The conduits 19 direct thelight from the light source to the photoelectric transducers 21 in aplurality of separate parallel spaced light paths, each of the lightpaths being directed to a corresponding one of the photo-electrictransducers. Thus, without intermediate obstruction, each photoelectrictransducer 21 is energized by or irradiated by a corresponding beam oflight separate from and uninfiuenced by the other beams of light fromthe light source.

A plurality of parallel spaced slots or grooves 18 are formed in theguide block 11. The guide block 11 is supported in any suitable mannerby the housing 3 or apparatus and is preferably maintained in verticalposition with the slots or grooves 18 extending verticaliy. The conduits19 formed through the guide block 11 and the slots 18 formed in saidguide block are perpendicular to each other with each of said conduitsbeing intersected by all of said slots and with each of said slots beingintersected by all of said conduits.

A plurality of spaced separate code bars 10 are slidably supported inthe slots 18 of the guide block 11. Each of the code bars 10 isslida'bly sup-ported for move ment in the longitudinal direction of theslots 18 in a corresponding one of said slots. Each of the code bars 13has a plurality of projections 15 arranged in a pattern determining acorresponding code indication and selected ones or all of saidprojections of each of said code bars are adapted to block correspondingones of the conduits 19.

Each of the control levers 4 abuts the lower end 13:: of a correspondingone of the code bars 10 so that clockwise movement of a control lever 4about its pivot pin 5 moves the corresponding code bar in its slot 18 toa determined position wherein the projections of said code bar blockcor-responding ones of the conduits 19. The number of conduits 19 ispreferably equal to the number of places in the code utilized or to anumber large enough to accommodate a number of codes.

A first retaining member 13 is afiixed to the guide block 11 across theslots 18 to retain the code bars It! in their corresponding slots. Asecond retaining member 14, spaced from the first retaining member 13,is aflixed to the guide block 11 across the slots 18 to cooperate withthe first retaining member in retaining the code bars 10 in theircorresponding slots. The first and second retaining members 13 and 14may be positioned parallel to the conduits 19.

Each of the code bars 10 may be urged downward by a return spring 12,which operates similarly to the spring 6, to return the code bars totheir rest position. Each return spring 12 is afiixed at one end to thesecond retaining member 14 and at its other end to the correspondingcode bar.

Each of the code bars 10 may be provided with a locking device 16 at anend 19b of said code bar which cooperates with the overhang formed inthe end 1d!) of the code bar to maintain the code bar in its determinedoperative position. The devices 16 are affixed to the inside of thehousing 3 or to suitable fixed parts of the apparatus.

The code keyboard unit of the present invent-ion operates to convertdata or information indicated in the manner of typing, by depressingselected ones of the keys 1, into a corresponding code. Thecorresponding code may be recorded as magnetic signals on a suitablemagnetizable medium such as, for example, tape, or as perforations in asuitable medium such as, for example, paper tape.

In its rest condition, the code keyboard unit produces no output codeinformation. The keys 1 are in their rest or raised position, thecontrol levers 4 are stationary and the code bars 10 are at rest ontheir corresponding control levers. The conduits 19 direct a plurality,eight in the illustrated example, of independent light beams to theindependent photo-electric transducers 21 unobstructed by theprojections 15 of any of the code bars 10. The photoelectric transducers21 thus provide electrical signals to suitable recording equipment 17(FIG. 3) which then records a no information signal on a suitablerecording medium 26.

When the code keyboard unit is operated, it produces a code indicationof information impressed upon the keys 1. When a selected key 1 isdepressed by the operator, the corresponding key lever 2 urges thecorresponding control lever 4 downward at its portion 41; so that thecontrol lever moves about its pivot pin 5 in a clockwise direction andits end in moves upward. The upward movement of the end 4a of thecontrol lever 4 moves the corresponding code bar 10 resting there-onupward to its determined or operative position. In the operativeposition of the code bar 10, the projections 15 thereof block thecorresponding light beams by blocking their conduits 19. This produces apattern on the photo-electric transducers 21 which corresponds to theprojections 15 of the code bar 10 and the appropriate transducersprovide electrical signals to the recording equipment 17 (FIG. 3) whichrecords the appropriate information signal on the recording medium 26.

Thus, for example, if a key 1 marked A is depressed by the operator, thecorresponding code bar 10 may have, for example, a pattern of but asingle projection 15 which obstructs only a transducer 21a (FIG. 3). Ifa key 1 marked B is depressed by the operator, the corresponding codebar 10 may have, for example, a pattern of two projections 15 whichobstruct only a transducer 211; (FIG. 3). If a key 1 marked R isdepressed by the operator, the corresponding code bar 10 may have, forexample, a pattern of six projections 15 which obstruct the transducers21b (FIG. 3). If a key marked R is depressed by the operator, thecorresponding code bar 10 may have, for example, a pattern of sixprojections 15 which obstruct the transducers 21a, 21b, 21c, 21c, 21 and2111 (FIG. 3).

The photomechanical code keyboard unit of the present invention is thussimple in structure, has a fast speed of operation and operates quietlyin an efficient, effective and reliable manner. This is due to the factthat the structure of the code keyboard unit has few mechanicalcomponents which may slow down the speed of operation or may be noisy inoperation. Furthermore, the conduction of the light beams through theconduits 19 completely within the guide block 11 prevents outside lightinterference or interference between the light paths so that theefficiency, eifectiveness and reliability of the code keyboard unit ismaintained at a high level.

While the invention has been described by means of specific examples andis a specific embodiment, I do not wish to be limited thereto, forobvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. Code keyboard apparatus for providing a coded output corresponding toa key-selected input, said apparatus comprising a source of light;

a plurality of separate photo-electric transducers spaced from saidsource of light;

directing means for directing said light to said photoelectrictransducers in a plurality of separate parallel spaced light paths, eachof said light paths being directed to a corresponding one of saidphoto-electric transducers;

a plurality of spaced separate code bars, each of said code bars havinga plurality of projections arranged in a pattern determining acorresponding code indication, each of said code bars having a lower endand an upper end with an overhang formed therein;

guide means having a plurality of spaced parallel vertical slots formedtherein for slidably supporting said code bars substantially verticallyin said slots in parallel spaced positions reiative to each otherbetween said source of light and said photo-electric transducbars formaintaining each of said code bars in its deers wherein selected ones ofthe projections of said termined position; code bars are adapted toblock corresponding ones retaining means mounted on said guide means forreof said light paths in determined positions of the taining said codebars in the slots of said guide means; said code bars thereby providinga coded output; 5 and key actuated means in contact with the lower endsof a pluralilty of springs each aflixed at one end to said said codebars for selectively moving said code bars guide means and at the otherend to the upper end of upward in said guide means to said determinedpoa corresponding one of said code bars for urging said sitions inaccordance with a key-selected input, said code bars downward in saidguide means.

key actuated means comprising a plurality of keys, 10

a plurality of key levers each affixed to a correspond- References Citeding one of said keys and a plurality of control levers UNITED STATESPATENTS each being pivotally mounted with one end abutting 2 406,811 9/1946 Deloraine et 2 9 X the lower end of a corresponding one of saidcode 2,438 825 3/1948 Roth bars and With ElIlOthBI' portion coupled to acorre- 15 3:O23:318 2 19 2 Jones 25 1 Spondmg one of Sald key levers;3,235,741 2/1966 Plaisance 250 237 locking means in operative proximityWith the overhang formed in the upper end of each of said code WALTERSTOLWEI, Primary Examiner.

